What’s on at the theatre in East London
We’re spoilt for choice in this neck of the woods. From independent bars and restaurants to outdoor cinemas, you can find something new to do every night of the week.
Stratford is also home to a great range of live theatre and music. With some of the best independent theatres in London here, there’s always something new to see.
With so much scheduled for the next few months, we’ve rounded up the best performances that you won’t want to miss from the theatres around Stratford.
The Gift
This performance explores the themes of imperialism, race and cultural appropriation as the story flips between 1862 and the present day.
The play is written by prize-winning playwright Janice Okoh and directed by Dawn Walton.
There will be additional post-show Q&A sessions with the cast on Thursday 6 and 13 February.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Stratford East website.
I Think We Are Alone
Two estranged sisters struggle to overcome their differences, a woman tries to put her son first despite the grief she’s experiencing and a man struggles with recent heartache.
The light-hearted performance explores our desires to connect with those we’ve lost and to let go of the past.
The performance is written by Sally Abbott and co-directed by Kathy Burke and Scott Graham.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.
Welcome to Iran
A young woman travels to Iran after her estranged father’s death to find out more about his past and her family.
As well as discovering the vibrancy of the country, Ava also finds herself in an unknown world of illicit behaviour and family drama.
The performance explores modern day life in Iran and offers a witty insight into family politics.
Tickets are on sale now on the Stratford East website.
Oliver Twist
The well-known story of Oliver Twist is retold as a dark and brutal version, adapted by award-winning playwright Bryony Lavery.
Every performance of Oliver Twist will feature integrated creative sign language, audio description and captioning to make this an inclusive event to put deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work.
Tickets are available now.
Sucker Punch
Two young, black men struggle to navigate life in 1981 South London with unemployment and racial tensions rising.
They find a safe space in a local gym and start training towards a career in professional boxing. This play examines what it was like to be black in 1980s Britain and the challenges that people faced.
Tickets are on sale now, including access performances.
The Little Prince
Inua Ellam retells this popular children’s story by Antoine de Saint-Exupery with the use of puppetry and North African music.
The story follows a pilot as she tries to repair her fighter jet that has broken down in the desert. She meets a young prince who helps her to rediscover the power of imagination, the meaning of friendship and the importance of protecting our planet.
To find out more or view dates and ticket prices, visit the Stratford Circus Arts Centre website.
E15 Jazz Sessions
The E15 Jazz Sessions return for another year to showcase live contemporary jazz. A mix of established musicians as well as new talent will play once a month from the 14th February until the 10th July.
To view the full schedule of performances or to buy tickets, visit the website.
Madam Butterfly
Award-winning OperaUpClose and the Belgrade Theatre have retold Puccini’s story as a new English version.
The story is retold from the perspective of a woman in 1980s Japan, exploring the rise of the digital age and the clash with traditional culture after she is abandoned by a man.
The music has been re-orchestrated to be performed by a cast of eight singers and four live musicians.
To find out more or to buy tickets, visit the Stratford Circus Arts Centre website.